Matchday welcome: Rapids host LA Galaxy

We’re thrilled to welcome you back to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park after this spell of road matches, as the LA Galaxy return for the second time this season. It’s been a tough stretch of results, and there’s no place like home to turn things around and start fighting for a playoff place.

There are several things I’d like to highlight about tonight’s match, starting with our presenting sponsor: Delta Dental of Colorado. As part of their Cavities Get Around campaign, raising awareness of the importance of preventing cavities in children’s baby teeth, the first 5,000 fans in the stadium will receive a special edition Colorado Rapids lunch box. Find out more information by clicking here.

Tonight, we’ll be honoring a former player who will forever have a special place in Rapids history. During his three and a half seasons as player, Jamie Smith played a crucial part in the Rapids’ run to their first-ever MLS Cup Championship, leading the team in assists that season. He retired at the end of the 2013 campaign, and we want to officially recognize him and the role he continues to play within our organization as part of the Colorado Rapids Development Academy coaching staff. Please give him a large round of applause when we honor him during pregame.

Before the game starts, we’ll also be giving a heartfelt thank you to LA Galaxy and U.S. men’s national team forward Landon Donovan, who has announced he will retire at the end of this season. Landon is, and always will be, an icon of soccer in the United States, and we’re sad that this will be his last time playing at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Once the match is through, stick around to cheer on the Rapids Special Olympics unified team during the #RapidsSOCO Burgundy vs. Blue match. They’re an important piece of our Rapids family, and you can learn more about our partnership by visiting the Special Olympics Blog on our website.

Our fifth annual Colorado Rapids Charity Golf Classic is on Monday - one of my favorite events of the year. There are limited foursomes and individual spots remaining, so dust off your putter and register to join myself, our players, and coaching staff by clicking here. All proceeds of the event benefit Kroenke Sports Charities.

Finally, as you enjoy the game tonight, visit any one of our concession stands for $1 hot dogs, soda and popcorn as part of ARAMARK Customer Appreciation Night. We enjoy having each and every one of you here, and it’s important that we all stick together through the rest of the season. Every match matters, especially against our Western Conference competition, and we couldn’t do this without you.

As always, if you need anything, please speak to a Rapids Customer Service Representative, and I’m always available on Twitter at @tkhinchey3.